The bug-like creature listen to the bleeps and boops emitted by the translator, and are clearly unsettled when Julakesh laughs. Mustachio manages to make them at ease, though, the frontmost creature respond with words that the translator picks up as *take* and *leader*.
The creatures seem to beckon the group to follow.
It's a thirty-minute trek to the creature's hide-out, a network of caves adjacent to the bluffs. Dozens of beetle-like aliens crawl in and out of the many caves that dot the face of this otherwise drab cliff. Most of them are dressed in simple leather frocks, while the few with crude weapons are covered with sturdier armor. A small garden filled with sickly plants is visible off to one side, next to what looks like the opening to a well. A handful of children sits in front of a pair of older aliens, who are both wearing brightly colored necklaces. They appear to be either telling the young ones a story or teaching them a lesson.
There's a friendly cheer as the enclave spots the insect-like hunters, but it quickly dies down when the starfinders come into view. The leader of the roaming party quickly moves up to what seems to be two village elders, and they rapidly exchange words, the conversation escalated into something heated. The mandibles clatter and chirp, but finally they gesture the starfinders to move closer.
The leaders seem very wary of the starfinders.
Food and water seem to be precious commodities on this dry planet, judging from the general environment and the condition of the garden.
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Breq takes in the small village with wide eyes. Then, the android whispers again. " It appears like food and water are precious here. We have plenty of food on the ship. Let's offer them the rations we brought. "
Breq, moving very slowly, reaches into her backpack and pulls out a small handful of survival bars. She holds them out as offering, and speaks to the elders. "Hello. We come in peace. We bring food. " The Starfinders face grows a large smile. 'Edible to 99% of sentient creatures', the wrapper says. Let's hope it's right...
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"Friend Breq, you are as wise as ever. These people must be hungry, and I see little ones." Mustachio digs all of his food out too, and hands it to them, miming eating.
With all attention on the food, the actor is wise enough to not ask the natives questions yet. Best to fill their bellies first, and then find the right time to ask about the orbital station, per their Starfinder assignment.
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Chk'tarlsh takes in the barren landscape on the trek to the cave-filled bluff.
It appears they are not a particularly militant people, he sends telepathically to his companions upon seeing the small numbered of armed population and the antiquated technology. Life can be hard and unforgiving in places such as this, he adds, thinking of his experiences growing up on Fullbright.
Following the examples of Breq and Mustachio, Chk'tarlsh removes his backpack from his shoulders, opens a compartment and produces a week's worth of rations which he adds to the collection for distribution.
The offering of food is well-received, and Julakesh finally manages to convince the creatures that he is not harmful. The creature click and hiss, and the translator lights up with *welcome*, *come to cave* and *ritual*. The party is beckoned to follow.
The interior of the colony's cave is spacious, with plenty of natural handholds leading up to other tunnels into the cliff. A large bonfire burns in the center of a cleared-out space, providing light but making the cave quite stuffy. As the party steps inside, it seems as though the entire tribe is converging here.
Many of the creatures are carrying drums and assorted instruments made from stone. A few moments later, they begin playing a stately tune and the remaining creatures face each other in a couple of straight lines. The colony erupts in a formalized processional dance.
Their is clearly an air of expectation for the adventurers to join the dance.
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Chk'tarlsh follows their hosts to the interior of the cave. He watches with delight as the tribe begin to gather. As the music starts, he bobs his head and taps a foot in time to the beat.
When it becomes clear the Starfinders are expected to participate, he watches the steps closely for a short while and then does his best to execute the moves.
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"Stand back friends! When I played Hacked robot #5 in 'Hacked & Out of Control', the director had all us robots perform a dance number. I have dance skills coming out of my ears!"
Mustachio picks up the dance moves pretty easily and starts to bop and whirl to the beat. With his natural charisma, you have to admit he looks pretty hot while doing it, even if he is a pretentious ass.
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Julakesh follows the others to the cave and smiles widely at the dancing. She roars in delight, "A-HAH! What fun! look at them go!" She immediately gets up and starts to dance like a wild woman to the beat. When it's clear she should be doing as they do she watches them intently, suddenly looking like a predator fixated on is prey...
Then she bursts into action, trying to mimic the bug's dance as best as she can, with a look of wild abandon on her face. Clearly, she's having a blast...
Although she knows what she should be doing, and does a decent job of copying the moves, Julakesh seems to have no sense of rhythm, and soon falls wildly out of sequence. Partway through she dance she forgets it's supposed to be their dance, and she improvises, tossing out some crazy dance moves that no longer resemble the dance at all.
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Breq stands and stares at the dance for a minute, even after the other Starfinders join in. This dance is much like hand to hand combat. Grace and finesse are necessary. You must watch and follow your opponent's movements. Taking in the dance, Breq quickly learns all of the steps. Whispering to herself, "Their motions mimic their art. "
Then, the android enters the floor. Moving with grace, she dances with the natives. Even hopping over Choppy when his fallen body covers the dance floor. "Dear Vesk! That is not a real dance move! "
Chk'tarish and Mustachio pick up the steps easily and do a decent job. Not as much can be said of Choppy and Julakesh - Vesk just weren't made for dancing, it seems. Breq steals the show, though, the operative showing a nimble reinterpretation of the traditional dance, impressing everyone around her.
Shortly after the welcoming ceremony, another creature steps into the relight. She is thinner than the others and dressed in shimmering fabrics, though it is clear she has a few bandaged wounds. Most strikingly, she sports a pair of membranous wings, unlike any of the other creatures around!
The insect-like creatures treat her with respect, though not reverence, and she can walk right up to the starfinders. She looks over the starfinders for a moment and then gestures to her throat and mouth. Her hand lights up with energy, and she uses it to point to Breq's throat and mouth.
She means no harm.
She just cast Share Language
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Chk'tarlsh thoroughly enjoys his part in the dance. He is left in awe of the speed at which Breq is able to deconstruct the intricacies of the dance and not only duplicate it, but make it her own, as though she had been schooled in the dance all her life.
He watches on as the winged creature interacts with Breq and draws in closer to protect the android as it motions toward her, hand aglow.
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Julakesh laughs at Choppy splayed out on the floor.
"A-HAH! A-HAH! You amuse me again!" She offers Choppy her hands and pulls the vesk back to his feet. Clapping him on the back she exclaims, "You are great fun! I hope we may continue to dance and slaughter things together!"
Noticing the bug touching Breq's throat, Julakesh points. "Oh, look, Choppy! A blue one! And it desires to feel Breq's neck. I wonder if that's how these bug people mate. They have strange taste! She would not make as good of a brood mother as I would!" After a moment of thought she adds, "Or perhaps it desires to choke the life out of her. THAT would make more sense. Breq is a good choice for that. Her neck is slender and easy to snap."
"I wonder which it is!" she exclaims with excitement.
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"Friend Breq, just like when you imitated Strawberry Machine Cake, you never cease to amaze me."
I best not alert the great Green Sniper to the fact that I am just making this up as I go along, similar to that frightening situation in the record store...
"It desires to feel Breq's neck. I wonder if that's how these bug people mate. They have strange taste! She would not make as good of a brood mother as I would!"
Breq's eye's widen, unsure of how to react to this possibility. I said I would work for the Starfinder Society, but I'm not sure I could break Order 626.1287, Section 11 for them. Though, this is a new world. The Pact World's laws on such matters do not apply to frontier worlds... Hmmm. Staying very still, Breq does not wish to give any 'wrong ideas'.
"Her neck is slender and easy to snap."
"Uhh... Julakesh? Do you think that is the more likely possibility?" Small beads of sweat run down the android's circuitry within her forehead.
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Kaylee starts to giggle a little bit
then the giggles turn into just full on laughing! The more Julakesh talks the more Kaylee laughs, so much that she probably has to put a hand on a rocky wall to keep herself from doubling over!
The creature touches Breq's neck without snapping it, then says Hello to you as well, my name is Klarima and she smiles, amused by the antics of the Starfinders, I am a Ghibrani, much like these Husks in this cave, my gentle hosts. I am but a visitor here.
You are unlike any other people I have ever met. Possibly the same is true of you for me. We have much we can teach one another
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"Hello, Ghibrani." Breq starts hesitantly, then gains confidence as she realizes the alien neither wants to kill or mate with her. "We would love to teach you and be taught in return." Gesturing to the Starfinders, the android continues. "We have been sent to your planet to learn about these people, and yourself, and your history. But first, did you say Husks?" Remembering the Wayfinder training, Breq attempts to be gentle. "Pardon my ignorance, what is your relationship to these 'Husks'? Why do they not have wings, like yours?"
Husks, yes. Many generations ago, after the war, a faction of my people received protection from a divine power named Mother Touloo. They struck out into the wastelands at their deity’s behest. In doing so, they eventually lost the use of their wings. These ‘husks,’ as we call them, are those you see before you.” She gestures around the cavern. “Those of us who retained the power of flight are known as ‘membranes’ by these people. We live within the city of Arkeost.
Those in my city rarely leave it; our ancestors made sure we would be provided with everything we would need. However, I have been afficted with a case of wanderlust. A near terminal case, it would seem, as my explorations outside the city found me stumbling into a tangle of soarnettles. They scratched me quite a bit and thanks to the pain, I lost my way. Luckily for me, I crossed paths with these kind husks, who bandaged my wounds and gave me a place to spend the night
I need to get home, but I am still weak. If you are willing to accompany me, I can in return demonstrate you how to get past my cities' force field. If you so desire, I can also introduce you to the leaders of the city.
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Conceding that her intentions aren't currently hostile, Chk'tarlsh relaxes his guard a little. As the ghibrani recounts her tale, his attention focuses more with each passing word.
The tale you tell is much like that of my own people, the shirren soldier shares telepathically with Klarima. And I know all too well the itching need to wander, leaving the safety of home far behind... His thoughts, the imagery tinged by emotion, trail off at the last, clouded by... sadness? Regret? Loss?
"Forcefield? Thish Arkeosst musst be the settlement we saw when we were landingkh," he speculates aloud to his companions, mandibles clicking. "Unlessh there are other proteckted citiesh nearby?" he asks of Klarima.
"Havinghk a connecktion to get into the city would be usseful. Once we have finished with the hospitality of our hostsh. You mentioned they are called Husksh, why?" the last is addressed to Klarima again.
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Breq looks at the stranger with a new found pity. She holds her arms out, attempting to be comforting, though it comes across slightly awkward. "You have been through much. We can help you get to your city. And we would love to learn much from you. Especially about your defenses, like the force field and the battle station in the sky. "
Looking around, Breq shakes her head. Her face grows sad as the android's circuits flare. These husks, they bear many resemblances to the androids. Mistreated, ugly, lesser. Forced to live apart. When this planet joins the Pact World, I will fight for them to receive equal rights as their Membrane counterparts.
As the dance progresses, the Husk Ghibranis come up to the party to show their appreciation and present Savoy with a special gift. It is a ritual rifle, which Klarima explains to be a Huchket, a rifle used by husk hunters. The husks also offer three vials of liquid. This is the special healing liquid of the Husks. They are very good medics, they treated my wounds quite well. Klarima explains.
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Later in the afternoon, Klarima leads the party through the badlands toward the shining metropolis in the distance. The journey takes only a few hours.
Elytrio’s sun is beginning to set as they approach the edge of a visible force field half a mile outside of the city. Klarima retrieves a clunky and ancient-looking datapad from her pack and presses a few buttons on it. There is a brief pause when nothing happens and, a little frustrated, she touches the same sequence of buttons on the device. This time, a circular portion of the force field opens like a door. Klarima steps through and gestures for the party to follow. Once past the barrier, Klarima presses another button on her datapad and the force field closes again.
It is another half hour walk before the party reaches the city, and by now the lights have come on.
The strange metropolis sparkles like a jewel in the gloom of dusk. In stark contrast to the desolation surrounding it, the city is a bustling center of activity, with dozens of winged insectoid aliens going about their business, flitting from one high doorway to another. The streets below seem almost like an afterthought, used only occasionally by small automated machines. Several overgrown flower beds and shaggy trees fill the spaces between the roads and hug the sides of the tall buildings. Though the structures still look sturdy, obvious patches of rust and other disrepair indicate that they haven’t been very well taken care of.
Most of the citizen stop to stare at the newcomers. In short order, a contingent of ghibranis wearing formal armor and carrying weapons that look like taclashes flutters down to confront the group.
These guards seem oddly uncomfortable with the weaponry they are carrying.
Klarima steps forward before anything bad can happen, and seems to explain the presence of the party to the guards. She spends a few moment conferring with the guards and then turns back on the party Good news! You are going to be allowed to speak to the Most Elevated!
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Breq asks questions the whole trip, trying to learn as much as she can about the planet. When not speaking to Klarima, the android is taking notes in her datapad.
When they are approached by the honor guard, Breq adjusts her armor and undershirt to cover her knives and pistol while making her Taclash more visible upon her hip.
Breq whispers to the group, "These guards must not have combat experience. They appear unfamiliar with their own weaponry." She nods to the Ghibrani guide, happy to be led to their leader. "Can you tell us anything about the Most Elevated?"
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Julakesh lets out a deep booming laugh. "A-HAH! A-HAH! They are soft like vesk infants! Meek ones! A-HAH!"
She smiles at the guards and proclaims. "After my mission and befriending your many soft people, I will pound you into the dirt many times! This will make you stronger! You will know how to use your weapons, then!" She thumps her chest and smiles. "If you are lucky, you will then be as strong as a child among my people! A great accomplishment! You will see! You will be proud! Bring honour to your name!"
Apparently she considers this is a great honour.
They are the rulers of Arkeost, and they look after the functioning of the city and the force field. They will be pleased to meet you!
Following the enthousiasm of Mustachio, the newly acquired honor guard flits their wings and flies toward an opening in the tallest, fanciest building in the city, about 40 feet off the ground. Klarima looks set to do the same, but then realizes that none of the adventurers can actually fly.
Using her datapad, she summons a number of table-size hovering drones. As Gunnz steps onto the first drone, it momentarily gives out, but then restabilizes. The robots slowly but surely lift up the group, and hovers toward the building entrance.
The guards continue to usher the party, leading them to a large central chamber with vaulted ceilings. A large table occupies one end of the room, behind which sit five membrane ghibranis dressed in elaborate robes. They stand, bow to the party, and greet them with Please approach and have a seat
Klarima introduces the council as The Most Elevated Council of Arkeost before taking a seat herself. A council member then makes sure that the whole understands the language spoken by casting another spell.
The council is curious and open, and asks many questions Do all of your species look like you? How did you travel to this place?
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Mustachio stands to address the Council. "Greetings, fellow sentient beings! My name is Mustachio Marino, and you may recognize me from my latest role, Bruno in "Undead Lover of Eox!" No...? Well, we do live pretty far away. We..." he says, gesturing to the team, and simultaneously activating his Starfinder Society implant under his skin..." are Starfinders, who have traveled from a distant world to meet you and form bonds of friendship. We have traveled in a mighty ship made of metal which can sail through the universe in a moment's time! Well, sometimes it take a few weeks. But generally, speaking, it is quite fast. Anyway... We are but a few species of what make up the sentient beings of the Pact Worlds! I am a Lashunta. What that means..."
"...is that I can talk inside your head! Certainly, Lashunta are the most powerful of the species of the Pact Worlds, but we live in peace and harmony. Usually. Unless the Vesk get angry, which tends to happen."
... ouch.
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Breq stands, clearing her throat. I can do this. I trained for this. Best to keep the legal mumbo jumbo to a minimum. Keep it simple. She smiles and takes a step forward. "Greetings, honorable ones. We are from other planets, across the universe. We have vehicles which can fly between these planets, for trade and transport. " She begins to get into it, using hands to speak, in case not everything translates correctly. "We represent several races, but there are hundreds more. It is a big universe we live in! And they will all be excited to meet you. The galaxy is at peace, and we are constantly exploring to find new peoples, like yourselves. "
Gesturing to the group, the android continues. "We are explorers, and defenders. We belong to an organization called the Starfinder Society. And we are here to learn about your people and your history. And to invite you to join the Pact Worlds. "
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Julakesh bravely hops onto one of the levitation platforms and rides it up into the sky. She roars in delight during the ride!
When she steps off she laughs loudly, with her hands on her hips. "A-HAH! A-HAH! I love your flight disks! They are very dangerous! Only the lucky and the strong shall survive! A-HAH!" She watches with interest to see if the flight disks drop any of her comrades to a violent death.
As they all arrive safely, Julakesh claps them on the back. "You are LUCKY!"
Julakesh notices the councillors and sits in a chair when gestured to do so. She smiles widely when she can suddenly understand what all the ghibrani are saying.
"A-HAH! We can talk and be friends now!" She seems quite pleased. "I am Julakesh Starfist!" she announces. "A strong warrior vesk and Starfinder! I am here to make you all my friends! Do you accept my kindness?"
In response to being lumped in together with the others, Julakesh laughs loudly. "A-HAH! A-HAH!" She shakes her head at the council and smiles. "I am not of the same race as THEM! I am a VESK! I am STRONG! They are soft and weak!" She laughs again, and then further explains. "There are many races in our worlds! I have seen lots! But I have not met your people before! This is why we should be friends! You can teach me of your people and planet, and I can teach your warriors to be strong and fierce!"
Julakesh nods and flexes her muscles. "They will get many bruises when I train them, but they will be better for it! Bring honour to your people!"
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Having removed the full-faced helm of his armour as a courtesy upon entering the presumed safety of the force field, Chk'tarlsh carries it tucked neatly beneath an arm on their journey to meet the Most Elevated.
He returns the bow when greeted by the Most Elevated and takes the offered seat.
When the opportunity presents, he pushes back his chair, stands, and - antannae twitching rapidly from obvious self-conciousness and nervousness - addresses the group telepathically.
A-as my companions have mentioned... uh, we are of different species. A-and we originated from different planets. His mandibles click audibly, in irritation at his poor start. I am Chk'tarlsh, a shirren, and my species live in many different places in the Pact Worlds. We are descended from a species known as the Swarm, a hive mind of predators that consumes and destroys. His antennae twitch and he snaps his mandibles in consternation at his choice of words. Shirren don't do this, of course, he finishes weakly.
He decides it best to leave the rest unsaid and returns to his seat, hoping that the sending helped convey his intended meaning as well as his words.
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Kaylee continues to giggle and be just plain happy at everything Julakesh says or does, but she is careful to introduce herself and be polite while letting Mustachio and Breq do all the talking and diplomacy although she makes a mental note to ask Breq sometime later if starfinders are authorized to invite planets to join the pact worlds...'cause that would be cool!
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Such an intriguing diverse group you are the leader exclaims. I would have taken you for the same species, you all look so alike.
On this planet, peace and harmony did not always rule. A terrible war waged on this planet over 300 years ago, in a period of history marked by particular foolishness. The ghibrani were ones species then, but consisted of many nation states. The venerated a great god of battle and conquest. War erupted and most our race perished. The force field of Arkeost protected this enclave, but the invisible fire that lingered after the war wreaked havoc on the city.
Their god of battle sounds like a form of Damoritosh, the vesk god of war.
The membranes have been living in this city ever since, but enclaves of wsteland wanderers have been active outside. They gradually adapted to life outside the city, and you have encountered them, the Ghibrani Husks.
A gentle tone rings through the room, upon which Klarima visibly perks up Dinner! she says, It feels like ages since I’ve had a proper meal.
The guards, who had been standing at attention near the door to this room, pull chairs up to the table and a handful of hovering drones enter from previously hidden hatches in the walls. The drones place ceramic plates and utensils in front of each person; the utensil each person receives is a at piece of metal with a slight indent at one end—almost like a spoon. Each person is then given a serving of a thick, light tan liquid in which floats irregular chunks of protein. The food has a smoky, cheesy odor. As the ghibranis begin scooping up their meals, Klarima explains this is a traditional dinner of “kahlgee," a word that doesn’t really translate into Common.